District 22 is now one-person race

Saturday

Aug 2, 2014 at 8:46 AM

The Missouri House of Representatives 22nd District Democratic primary is now a one-person race.

On the ballot for Tuesday’s election, incumbent state Rep. Brandon Ellington, D-Kansas City, is facing Daniel Edwards of Kansas City for the seat that represents southwestern Independence and eastern Kansas City. Edwards, though, said he is not actively campaigning and that he missed the deadline to withdraw his candidacy.

Because there is no Republican candidate in the primary, Ellington is expected to win the primary and then run unopposed in the November election.

Here is a Q&A with Ellington, D-Kansas City:

Q: What are the three most pressing issues facing your district?

A: Education, jobs and economic development and crime.

Q: What are your plans to help business and residential revitalization in western Independence?

A: I'm going to continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Currently I've been working on legislation (House Bill 1403) that levels the playing field as far as initiatives for small businesses. I also filed a bill to increase the minimum wage to $10.25 (HB 1408).

Q: What makes you a good candidate for District 22?

A: My sincerity and dedication for fighting for the working class, my desire for improving education and eradicating poverty, my passion for true criminal justice reform, and my track record for all of the above.

Q: What is your stance on the student transfer bill and what is the best resolution?

A: I did not support the transfer bill that came out of the House and Senate. Neither bill dealt with the real issue of curriculum, extracurricular activities (besides sports), funding disparities or anything remotely close to improving the quality of education that is being received. I believe that working on these issues will vastly improve the quality of education that our children receive.